Benjamin Franklin once said, "The heart of a fool is in his mouth, but the mouth of a wise man is in his heart."

I hope you take the following news about heart health to heart — and let it make you wise about your future: 

• A Yale study has identified the risk factors that make women ages 55 and younger vulnerable to acute myocardial infarction (heart attack). Researchers found that diabetes was their No. 1 risk, followed by current smoking, depression, and high blood pressure. The good news: Diabetes can be controlled or reversed; quit-smoking programs work; high blood pressure responds to medication, dietary changes, and exercise; and medication and talk therapy may banish depression. Make sure you're not one of the 40,000 younger women who are hospitalized annually because of a heart attack.

• An Australian study finds that anxiety, depression, and panic disorders damage your heart as well as your spirit. The researchers say that anyone with mental health issues should be monitored for high blood pressure and insufficient heart rate variation, which indicates that the negative effects of stress (inflammation, heart disease) are amplified. If you're dealing with emotional issues, call your doctor for a cardio checkup. 

• If you suffer a stroke, a new study says a cardio-rehab plan that includes medically supervised exercise and psychological, nutritional, and educational support — along with management of risk factors such as smoking and diet — can cut your risk of dying within a year by 76%. You or your family should insist on the full range of post-stroke care.